CARDIFF City defender Chris Barker has spelled out how desperate the Bluebirds are to come away from tonight's crucial Second Division trip to Brentford with three points.

CARDIFF City defender Chris Barker has spelled out how desperate the Bluebirds are to come away from tonight's crucial Second Division trip to Brentford with three points.

Lennie Lawrence's side could heap the pressure on arch promotion rivals Crewe for the second automatic place to Division One behind champions-elect Wigan Athletic with victory at Griffin Park (7.45pm).

Coming on the back of a 1-1 draw at struggling Stockport County on Saturday, Barker is adamant the Bluebirds can complete a successful raid on the Londoners to maintain their promotion push.

The Bluebirds can claim second spot outright should they pick up three points against the Bees and Crewe falter at home to Wycombe.

It's a fact not lost on former Barnsley defender Barker.

"We only got a point at Stockport and we desperately need to get a win under out belts at Brentford," said Barker.

"The club needs to stay as close as possible to Crewe and we need a win tonight to keep the pressure on.

"Even though we are only a point behind Crewe, with a game in hand, it's no good if you lose that game.

"We have to make that one-game advantage count.

"The lads know that we need to win at least eight games.

"The draw against Stockport is another one to mark off the list."

Barker was a busy man at Edgeley Park on Saturday being at the heart of a City defence under a seemingly constant bombardment until the final 20 minutes when City finally began to show their promotion credentials.

"The last 15 minutes was a bit hectic and we could have won the game," added Barker.

"Then again Stockport could have taken all three points right at the end of the game.

"At least we did not get beat. "The two Stockport strikers were good strong players and sometimes we were left two on two. They were certainly a handful."